CPU Key-Terms

Architecture

(computer science) the structure and organization of a computer's hardware or system software

Control Unit

A portion of the central processing unit (CPU) that directs the sequence of operations, interprets coded instructions, and initiates the proper commands to execute instructions.

CPU

Abbreviation of central processing unit. The CPU is the brains of the computer. Sometimes referred to simply as the processor or central processor, the CPU is where most calculations take place.

Cache

RAM memory that is set aside as a specialized buffer storage that is continually updated.

R.A.M

Random Access Memory. The chips that make up a computer's temporary/short term memory area. This area empties when the application is closed and fills again when the user opens a new application, or when the computer is powered off.

R.O.M

Read Only Memory, whose contents can be accessed and read but cannot be changed

ALU

Stands for "Arithmetic Logic Unit." The part of the central processing (CPU) unit that performs arithmetic computations and logical operations.

Secondary Storage

Storage that is remote to the CPU and permanently holds data, even when the PC is turned off, such as hard drive.

Primary Memory

Used to store currently executing programs and their data. Examples include RAM and ROM